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Increased Calls for Loosening of Federal Restrictions on Medical Cannabis Research

House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, Brookings Institute encourage more freedom for cannabis research.

WASHINGTON D.C.—In a letter to the Secretary of Veterans Affairs on Thursday, the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs called on the VA to increase efforts to research the efficacy and potential benefits of medical cannabis.

On the same day President Trump declared opioid addiction a national crisis, the house committee’s request cited veterans and veterans’ organizations increasing support for research of medical cannabis as an alternative to treat chronic pain, as well as other conditions that may benefit from cannabinoid therapy, like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Military news outlet Stars and Stripes quoted lawmakers, who said medical marijuana research was “integral to the advancement of health care for veterans and the nation.”

House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs Ranking Member Tim Walz (D-MN), signed the letter, along with Reps. Mark Takano, (D-CA); Julia Brownley (D-CA); Ann